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Old 11-18-2003, 06:32 PM   #7
GMMerlin
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This should answer your question.
Cooling leaks can be difficult to find under a pressure test. The expansion and contraction rates of the different types of materials can hide or present a leak. While checking a vehicle under pressure, I check with the engine both cold and at operating temperature...also I look for trails or unusual clean spots that may indicate there was a leak present.
Here is a copy of the GM tech bulletin that applies to your vehicle...this is a repair bulletin...not a campaign or warranty repair



Engine Coolant Consumption or Coolant Leak (Inspect for Material Degradation/Replace Intake Manifolds) #01-06-01-007A - (07/18/2001)
Engine Coolant Consumption or Coolant Leak (Inspect For Material Degradation/Replace Intake Manifolds)
1995-1997 Buick Riviera

1995-1998 Buick LeSabre, Park Avenue

1996-1998 Buick Regal

1998 Chevrolet Lumina, Monte Carlo

1995-1996 Oldsmobile Ninety-Eight

1995-1998 Oldsmobile Eighty-Eight

1998 Oldsmobile Intrigue

1995-1998 Pontiac Bonneville

1997-1998 Pontiac Grand Prix

with 3.8 L Engine (VIN K -- RPO L36)

This bulletin is being revised to correct parts and labor operation usage. Please discard Corporate Bulletin Number 01-06-01-007 (Section 6 - Engine).

Condition
Some owners may comment on excessive engine coolant consumption, or an engine coolant leak near or under the throttle body area of the upper intake manifold.

Cause
Upper intake manifold composite material may degrade around the EGR stove pipe and could result in an internal or external coolant leak.

Correction
Follow the upper intake manifold removal instructions found in the Engine Unit Repair Section of the Service Information Manual.



Refer to the arrow in the illustration of the upper intake manifold above. Inspect the inner diameter of the EGR passage for signs of material degradation. Degradation will appear as "pitting" of the composite material in the EGR port passage.
If degradation of upper intake manifold composite material is found, replace the lower and upper intake manifolds with the following part numbers:
Lower Intake -- 24508923
Upper Intake -- 17113136 (includes necessary upper intake plenum gaskets)
Lower Intake Gasket -- 12537197
Follow the lower and upper intake manifold installation instructions found in the Engine Unit Repair Section of the appropriate Service Manual.
If degradation is not apparent, skip to Step 7.
Verify the repair.
If no degradation is found, evaluate the vehicle for other causes of excessive coolant consumption as noted in the Engine Diagnosis Section of the appropriate Service Manual.
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